Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which benzodiazepine is classified as a short-acting agent?
Which benzodiazepine is classified as a short-acting agent?
What is the primary action of benzodiazepines on the central nervous system?
What is the primary action of benzodiazepines on the central nervous system?
Which statement correctly identifies an indication for benzodiazepines?
Which statement correctly identifies an indication for benzodiazepines?
Which adverse effect is commonly associated with benzodiazepines?
Which adverse effect is commonly associated with benzodiazepines?
Signup and view all the answers
What should clients be instructed to avoid while taking benzodiazepines?
What should clients be instructed to avoid while taking benzodiazepines?
Signup and view all the answers
What role does flumazenil serve in benzodiazepine therapy?
What role does flumazenil serve in benzodiazepine therapy?
Signup and view all the answers
Which herb is known to increase CNS depression when combined with benzodiazepines?
Which herb is known to increase CNS depression when combined with benzodiazepines?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of drug is zolpidem (Ambien) categorized as?
What type of drug is zolpidem (Ambien) categorized as?
Signup and view all the answers
What effect do sedatives have on the CNS?
What effect do sedatives have on the CNS?
Signup and view all the answers
What factor distinguishes a sedative from a hypnotic?
What factor distinguishes a sedative from a hypnotic?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements accurately describes barbiturates?
Which of the following statements accurately describes barbiturates?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a significant risk associated with barbiturate overdose?
What is a significant risk associated with barbiturate overdose?
Signup and view all the answers
Benzodiazepines are commonly preferred over barbiturates due to which of the following reasons?
Benzodiazepines are commonly preferred over barbiturates due to which of the following reasons?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a characteristic mechanism of action of barbiturates?
What is a characteristic mechanism of action of barbiturates?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a consequence of rapid tolerance development in barbiturate use?
What is a consequence of rapid tolerance development in barbiturate use?
Signup and view all the answers
Which classification of benzodiazepines involves medications that alleviate anxiety?
Which classification of benzodiazepines involves medications that alleviate anxiety?
Signup and view all the answers
Which benzodiazepine is known for its intermediate acting properties?
Which benzodiazepine is known for its intermediate acting properties?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a primary advantage of benzodiazepines over barbiturates?
What is a primary advantage of benzodiazepines over barbiturates?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement correctly describes the side effect of 'paradoxical excitement' in benzodiazepine use?
Which statement correctly describes the side effect of 'paradoxical excitement' in benzodiazepine use?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a common effect of benzodiazepines?
Which of the following is NOT a common effect of benzodiazepines?
Signup and view all the answers
What interaction does grapefruit juice have with benzodiazepines?
What interaction does grapefruit juice have with benzodiazepines?
Signup and view all the answers
Which benzodiazepine can be used as a reverse agent in case of an overdose?
Which benzodiazepine can be used as a reverse agent in case of an overdose?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a distinguishing feature of sedative-hypnotics at low doses?
What is a distinguishing feature of sedative-hypnotics at low doses?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements about barbiturates is correct?
Which of the following statements about barbiturates is correct?
Signup and view all the answers
What can occur following the discontinuation of benzodiazepines after long-term use?
What can occur following the discontinuation of benzodiazepines after long-term use?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common consequence of barbiturate overdose?
What is a common consequence of barbiturate overdose?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following substances should be avoided by clients taking benzodiazepines?
Which of the following substances should be avoided by clients taking benzodiazepines?
Signup and view all the answers
Why are benzodiazepines preferred over barbiturates as sedative-hypnotics?
Why are benzodiazepines preferred over barbiturates as sedative-hypnotics?
Signup and view all the answers
What characterizes the mechanism of action of barbiturates?
What characterizes the mechanism of action of barbiturates?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of agent is commonly associated with long-term benzodiazepine use?
Which type of agent is commonly associated with long-term benzodiazepine use?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential risk associated with the clinical use of barbiturates?
What is a potential risk associated with the clinical use of barbiturates?
Signup and view all the answers
What effect can benzodiazepines have at higher doses?
What effect can benzodiazepines have at higher doses?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
CNS Sedative-Hypnotics
- CNS sedative-hypnotics are drugs that depress the central nervous system (CNS).
- Sedatives reduce nervousness, excitability, and irritability without causing sleep.
- Hypnotics reduce CNS function to the point of inducing sleep.
- A sedative can become a hypnotic in high enough doses.
- Sedative-hypnotics are often used in lower doses to reduce symptoms, and higher doses to induce sleep.
CNS Depressants: Barbiturates
- Barbiturates are sedative-hypnotics.
- They're now rarely used as hypnotics but lower doses are sometimes still used.
- They are useful as antiepileptics, raising seizure thresholds to reduce seizures.
- They are also used in anesthesia for short procedures.
- Specific examples of short-acting barbiturates include pentobarbital (rarely used).
- Examples of long-acting barbiturates include phenobarbital (often used as an antiepileptic).
- Barbiturates have a narrow therapeutic index; blood levels must be carefully monitored.
- Mechanism of action: They broadly depress the CNS and potentiate/mimic the actions of GABA.
- Metabolism occurs in the liver and they're excreted in urine.
- Toxicity includes respiratory depression. Overdose can lead to respiratory arrest, coma, and death.
- Barbiturates are less commonly used due to tolerance, physical dependence, liver enzyme induction, abuse potential, powerful respiratory depression, and lack of an antidote.
CNS Depressants: Benzodiazepines
- Benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed sedative-hypnotics (and anxiolytics).
- They have favorable adverse effect profiles compared to barbiturates.
- They offer good efficacy and safety.
- They are classified as sedative-hypnotics and anxiolytics.
- Long-acting examples include chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate, and flurazepam.
- Intermediate-acting examples include lorazepam (Ativan) and oxazepam.
- Short-acting examples include midazolam (Versed, IV) and triazolam.
- Mechanism of action: Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of GABA, decreasing neuronal excitability and depressing CNS activity.
- They affect hypothalamic, thalamic, and limbic brain systems.
- Unlike barbiturates, they do not suppress REM sleep or increase metabolism of other drugs.
- They do not severely depress respiration in oral doses, though this can occur in overdose, particularly when combined with other CNS depressants or given intravenously.
- Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist used to reverse benzodiazepine overdose.
Benzodiazepines: Indications
- Sedation
- Sleep induction
- Skeletal muscle relaxation
- Anxiety relief
- Alcohol withdrawal treatment
- Agitation
- Epilepsy
- Balanced anesthesia
Benzodiazepines: Adverse Effects
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Lethargy
- Paradoxical excitement
- "Hangover" effect
Benzodiazepines: Interactions
- All other CNS depressants (e.g. alcohol, opioids) have cumulative effects.
- Grapefruit juice alters drug absorption.
- Cimetidine inhibits benzodiazepine metabolism.
- Herbs like kava, valerian, and chamomile increase CNS depression.
Client Care Implications
- Clients should avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.
- Rebound insomnia may occur after stopping the medication, so dosages should be reduced gradually.
Other Hypnotics
- BZD-like drugs (e.g., zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon, zopiclone) are structurally different from benzodiazepines but act on the same drug target..
- These are used for short-term insomnia treatment.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the world of CNS sedative-hypnotics, including their functions, uses, and classifications. Learn about the sedative and hypnotic properties of these medications, specifically focusing on barbiturates and their applications in reducing seizures and anesthesia. This quiz will enhance your understanding of this critical area in pharmacology.
